RAPID CITY, SD — The trial of Nicholas Tilsen, the NDN Collective CEO who stands accused of Aggravated Assault/Simple Assault on Law Enforcement, Obstruction of Law Enforcement has officially concluded arguments from the counsel of both positions, and has released jurors to deliberate based on evidence provided over the course of the three-day case.
In their closing arguments, prosecution alleges that Tilsen in June 2022 had attempted to intimidate Officer Nicholas Glass, who was at the time conducting an interaction with bystander Mario Hall during a “cop watch” conducted by Tilsen, accelerating his vehicle with the intent to instill fear into Glass. Prosecution clarified that the charges of Aggravated Assault *or* Simple Assault on Law Enforcement represent alternative, not compounding charges.
The defense in turn responded to the prosecution by restating the directions of the judge to not consider the emotional state of officer glass at the time of the incident, and referenced Glass’s uncooperative, “evasive” (in the words of the defense) answers to questioning while on the stand. Additionally, the defense emphasized the nature of the case was concerning specifically Tilsen’s intent during the incident, and that Tilsen had stated on several occasions in the moments following the incident that he did not intend to strike Glass, and did not do so.
As of the time of writing, Tilsen has not been convicted and is assumed innocent until proven guilty, and the Jury has not yet reached a verdict. If convicted, Tilsen could recieve up to 26 years in prison.
